Exterior Features

Taller and equipped with a longer wheelbase than the model it replaces, the new 2014 Rogue is also more aerodynamic than before in an effort to improve fuel economy.

Standard equipment includes LED running lights, turn signal indicators embedded into the side mirror housings, and a reversing camera. Moving up one trim level, the Rogue SV is equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels, dark-tinted privacy glass, and roof rails. The Rogue SL has 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, and a power rear liftgate.

Interior Features

The redesigned 2014 Rogue features "zero gravity" front-seat designs, similar to those introduced in the 2013 Altima. An EZ Flex Seating System is also standard equipment, including a second-row seat with 9 inches of seat track travel and a reclining seat back, plus a front passenger's seat that folds down to accommodate longer items with the rear liftgate closed. The Rogue's cargo area is equipped with a Divide-N-Hide adjustable floor cargo management system, which allows owners to conceal valuables as well as stack items on a flat surface.

The Rogue SL is the top-of-the-line version and is equipped with leather seats, upgraded interior trim, premium audio system, and NissanConnect with Navigation and a larger 7-inch touch-screen display. This version also has an Around View Monitor that provides the driver with a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings, which is helpful in tight parking situations. Additionally, the SL includes Quick Comfort heated front seats designed to first warm parts of the body that get cold, and then apply warmth to pressure points to increase comfort.

Optional Features

Buyers can choose to replace the Rogue's Divide-N-Hide system with an optional third-row seat, which includes a 50/50 split stadium-style design. It is included in the Family package, and because the Rogue's spare tire is also eliminated, run-flat tires are included with this option.

A power panoramic moonroof is optional for the SV and SL trim levels, each of which can also be equipped with a Premium package. For the Rogue SV, this upgrade adds a power rear liftgate, an Around View Monitor, and NissanConnect with Navigation technology. Both Premium packages contain safety features including Moving Object Detection, a blind-spot warning system, and a lane-departure warning system, while the SL Premium package adds an exclusive forward-collision warning system and LED headlights.

Under the Hood

Like the model it replaces, the redesigned 2014 Rogue has a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that also generates 175 lb.-ft. of torque. This year, the engine is paired with a new next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT) that improves fuel economy and includes a Sport Mode. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

Official EPA fuel-economy estimates had not been published when this preview was written, but Nissan claims the new Rogue will get 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg in combined driving.

Safety

In addition to 6 air bags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, and a traction and stability control system, the 2014 Rogue is equipped with a standard reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity with text-messaging capability. Optional safety features include forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning systems, as well as a Moving Object Detection system. The available Around View Monitoring system is useful when parking to avoid hitting nearby objects.

Technology

In addition to the safety-related technologies listed above, every 2014 Rogue comes with Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert system, which identifies when a tire is low on air, and then, as the driver inflates the tire, the system chirps the horn to indicate that proper tire pressure has been reached.

Standard equipment also includes active powertrain and braking systems designed to make the Rogue more enjoyable to drive, including Active Trace Control, Active Ride Control, and Active Engine Braking. Hill-start assist is also standard, and buyers choosing the optional Intelligent AWD system receive a hill-descent control system.

Every new Rogue is also equipped with Bluetooth streaming audio and a text-messaging assistant. NissanConnect Apps technology is standard for the Rogue SV and SL, allowing dashboard screen access to smartphone applications such as Pandora, Facebook, and Twitter when the smartphone is paired to the system.

Add the NissanConnect with Navigation system, optional for the SV and standard for the SL, and this infotainment technology includes a larger touch screen plus voice-recognition technology and a broader array of services such as NavTraffic, NavWeather, fuel prices, stock information, sports scores, and more.

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They may not be something you think about very often, but your vehicle's brakes are one feature that should always be in top working condition. Let's look at how to know when you need new brakes.Look, listenThere are two ways to check for brake wear on disc brakes: by looking and by listening. First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.